One may expect twin sisters to be \u201cpeas in a pod\u2018\u2019. But more than that the August sisters (39) who share a passion for education are now both PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) graduates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr Chantelle August-Mowers whose studies focussed on language acquisition and multilingualism received her doctoral degree at UWC\u2019s Summer graduation in December last year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At UWC\u2019s Spring graduation on Friday 20 September, Dr Samantha August-Hoffman, whose research focussed on education studies and quality basic education, joined her sister as a fellow doctorate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The twins hosted a teacher recognition ceremony at Kuils River Tennis Club on Friday evening to honour those who helped them succeed on their educational journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chantelle said they want to dedicate their PhDs to their teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTheir dedication, encouragement, and passion provided us with quality education despite the challenges of an unequal society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey never allowed our backgrounds to limit our potential. Their unwavering belief in us was a driving force behind our success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sisters, now neighbours in Kuils River, grew up in Eerste River where they attended Forest Heights Primary School and Malibu High School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur academic journey began in 2009, seven years after we matriculated. We started as undergraduate education students with little knowledge of the university process, no financial means, and only the hope of seizing a life-changing opportunity,\u201d Chantelle said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their path crossed with two \u201cdestiny helpers\u201d at UWC who passed since Barnard Ernest and Suhayma Towfies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ernest helped them on their very first day at the university. \u201cHe saw we were lost and did not know anything about the registration processes.\u201d Chantelle said he went over and above to assist. \u201cHis support continued throughout our studies, making each year\u2019s registration a stress-free process.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Towfie was the Education Faculty Officer at UWC, who assisted when they were stressed about finances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After going from one point to another to conclude a bursary application they arrived at the Education Faculty with the gates closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMrs Towfie came out and asked: \u2018What is the problem?\u2019\u201d After they explained their predicament, she answered: \u201cMy heart tells me you two are born teachers. Please go to class on Monday and I will sort out the rest,\u201d Chantelle recalled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShe only had one condition: we had to work hard and never make her regret her decision.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The twins promised they would \u2013 and they delivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe became Funza Lushaka Bursary holders and made the Dean\u2019s Merit List every year.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2010, their hard work and academic achievements granted them membership to the Golden Key International Honour Society, which recognises the academic excellence of university students worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The twins recognised Prof Rouaan Maarman, lecturer, mentor, and supervisor as pivotal in their academic journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe became part of our academic life from our first year in the undergraduate program. His no-nonsense approach and attention to detail pushed us to grow and develop from the start,\u201d Chantelle said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe challenged us to focus on practical solutions, rather than dwelling on negatives and encouraged the researcher in us from early on.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maarman motivated both to pursue an honours and then a master\u2019s degree. \u201cProf Maarman\u2019s mentoring laid a solid foundation for our PhD studies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeing accepted into the PhD program was a huge step in our academic and personal journey. Having Prof Maarman as my supervisor was both an honour and a privilege as it is rare that a student starts with a lecturer in undergraduate studies until a completed PhD,\u201d said Samantha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe consistently reminded us of the importance of making an original contribution to our research, and ensured we adhered to timelines and due dates.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The twins started their teaching careers at Yellowwood Primary School and both moved to Gordon High School. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are now working together as lecturers at Two Oceans Graduate Institute where we train teachers,\u201d Chantelle said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
One may expect twin sisters to be \u201cpeas in a pod\u2018\u2019. 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